To ask the Secretary of State for Transport where the signalling technology proposed for the modernisation of the west coast main line is currently installed; and what assessment he has made of its operational liability. [10309]

Railtrack informs me that in-cab signalling technology is currently employed in differing forms in various parts of the world, but is not identical to the system planned for the west coast main line. For this reason, Railtrack intends to let further development contracts for the signalling system during the first quarter of this year and expects that a reliable signalling system can be developed within the time necessary for the modernisation works.